CHAPTER 3: IN THE HARSH LIGHT OF DAY
"I spoke to him."
"And?"
"And what? He's a mess, Jase."
"Couldn't you --"
"No."
"Alfred --"
"I said no."
"Jesus, why the fuck not? It'd be easier on everyone - including him! - that way --"
"It's baggage. I'm not gonna. I need another solution."
pause "What did you do?"
silence
"Al? What did you do to him?"
"Something to help him wean. It's a substitute." smile "It was the least I could do."
pause "You're a sentimental idiot, anyone ever tell you that?"
"Frequently. Usually it's you. I don't let it worry me."
"Uhuh. I take it you'll be staying on the station for longer than expected?"
"Why would you think that? I said I gave him a substitute. I also gave him a choice."
pause "I take it all back. You're a cold-hearted, calculating motherfucker."
laughs "Thanks Jase. I feel so much better about my place in the universe."
"Whatever. Just don't drag this into official Corps business --"
sigh "I'd comment on that, but I'll refrain myself. Can you take the kid off my hands?"
"Who, Lauren? She was a gift."
wry smile "I guessed that much. I don't want her."
frown "You want something different? We don't operate gift exchanges, Al."
"I didn't say I wanted something different, I said I didn't want her, full stop. Take her back to whoever's trying to cosy up with me."
grin "Okay. Mind if I keep her for a while?"
waves hand dismissively "Whatever you want Jase. I'll see you once I get back."
"Take care. Don't get into too much trouble, huh, Al?"
"Wouldn't dream of it."
END COMMUNICATION
End Chapter III